Santa Monica, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Designation body
- Landmarks Commission (7 members)
- Public hearing deadline
- Within 100 days of complete application
- Work moratorium
- All demolition/alteration prohibited once application filed
- Resubmittal waiting period
- 5 years after denial (unless significant new information)
- Criteria required
- At least one of six listed criteria
- Appeal period
- 10 days from Commission decision to appeal to City Council
Summary
Santa Monica designates Landmarks through the Landmarks Commission when a structure meets at least one of six criteria related to historical, architectural, cultural, or aesthetic significance. Once an application is filed, all demolition and alteration of the structure is immediately prohibited.
For purposes of this Chapter, the Landmarks Commission may approve the landmark designation of a structure, improvement, natural feature or an object if it finds that it meets one or more of the following criteria:
1. It exemplifies, symbolizes, or manifests elements of the cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history of the City.
2. It has aesthetic or artistic interest or value, or other noteworthy interest or value.
3. It is identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state or national history.
4. It embodies distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to a study of a period, style, method of construction, or the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship, or is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historical type valuable to such a study.
5. It is a significant or a representative example of the work or product of a notable builder, designer or architect.
6. It has a unique location, a singular physical characteristic, or is an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the City.
Full Breakdown
Any person may apply for Landmark designation by filing with the Planning Department; the Landmarks Commission may also act on its own motion. A public hearing must be held within 100 days of a complete application. Upon filing, all alteration, restoration, construction, removal, relocation, or demolition is prohibited until a final determination is issued. Designated Landmarks must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission before any exterior work. Landmark owners have a duty to keep all exterior features in good repair.
Violations & Fines
Any alteration, construction, removal, relocation, or demolition of a Landmark without a Certificate of Appropriateness is prohibited. No permit may be issued by any City department, board, or commission without the required certificate. Appeals of Commission decisions go to the City Council, filed within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate a building for Landmark designation?
What happens to my project once a Landmark application is filed on the property?
What is required to modify a designated Landmark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle historic-cultural monuments.